George W. Pitzer

George W. Pitzer, 78, of Portsmouth, RI, entered eternal life on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family and friends. George was born June 20, 1938 in Cumberland, MD, the son of the late John Webster Pitzer and Gladys (Apple) Pitzer. He was the husband of Katherine (Leer) Pitzer for the last 55 years. George was a graduate of Frostburg University and started his working life as a math and science teacher in Maryland Public Schools. He then began his professional journey with a career at IBM, working as a software engineer for 30 years, earning the distinction of membership in the Quarter Century Club, and retired from IBM in 1994. He continued to work another 15 years in a similar capacity at Lockheed Martin.George was a faithful member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Middletown, where he served as an usher for over 40 years, volunteered in the community meal service to the homeless and served on many different committees. George also volunteered his time with his children and grandchildren, first as a soccer and baseball coach for his children, then as a loyal fan at every one of his grandsons soccer games.George was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a loyal friend. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling extensively and was a World War II enthusiast. His Tuesday morning breakfast group with retired friends was a highlight for him. George immersed himself in the pleasures of nature, working on his lawn and gardens.He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Leer) Pitzer; two daughters, Beth Eddy, of Kingston, MA and Kim Pitzer, of Providence, RI; his son, John Pitzer and his wife, Jennifer West Pitzer, of New York, NY; and two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Eddy and William Eddy. He also leaves a sister, Bonita Pitzer, of Raleigh Durham, NC and a brother, John Harden, of Winchester, VA.Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 29, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Calvary United Methodist Church, Turner and Wyatt Roads, Middletown, RI. Burial will be at a later date in Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, Maryland.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, RI Chapter, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886 and Calvary United Methodist Church, 200 Turner Road, Middletown, RI 02842. Visitation MAY 29. 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service MAY 30. 10:00 AM Calvary United Methodist Church Wyatt Road/ Turner Road Middletown, RI, US